Spyder Convertible

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Review

2009
Lamborghini
Gallardo Review

Powerfully elegant super car.

Reviewed by Automotive on
6/18/2009

Overview

When Lamborghini unveiled the 2009 Gallardo, the company unveiled a significantly upgraded super car. Starting with a name change to the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, the sports car went through a thorough facelift. The front and rear were redesigned to give them a more aggressive look. Under the hood, a new V-10 engine can be found, plus the transmission and suspension were modified to provide improved stability and handling when travelling at high speeds.

What's New

The front and rear of the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 were redesigned, including changes to the rear fascia and the addition of new LED headlights and taillights. The daytime running lights are set in a Y-shape made up of 15 LED lights, and the same design is used in the rear lights. As well as changing the look of the rear, the rear diffuser was redesigned to improve the aerodynamics of the sports car.

Weight-saving changes were also made to create the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 lighter and more dynamic than the previous model. The improvements in weight and style, plus the addition of the new V-10 engine make the 2009 model that much quicker than earlier versions, while being more efficient and having better handling.

Exterior

The body of the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is built predominantly from aluminum, which is significantly lighter than steel. Because the sports car is built using a spaceframe construction method, the sheets of aluminum are secured to an integral frame. This makes the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 stiffer torsionally, and also provides the highest safety levels.

The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 comes in two body styles: a two-door coupe and a two-door convertible spyder version. Nineteen-inch wheels and an extending rear spoiler are standard for both models. The power-folding, soft-top roof of the spyder model comes in four different color options.

Exterior options included upgraded alloy wheels and an adjustable front suspension. With the adjustable front suspension, the sports car can be moved up and down to help avoid spoiler scrapes when travelling over different grades of slope on the road.

Interior

The interior of the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is spacious and comfortable, even though it has a low height and is low to the ground, although storage and cargo space is almost non-existent. The console, switches, and gauges were all redesigned, with the middle console housing the multimedia and climate control systems.

Standard equipment found in the interior of the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 include a dual-zone climate control system, four-speaker stereo system with a six-CD changer and two auxiliary jacks, and power seats. Fine leather is used for the seats and interior. Upgrades include a Bluetooth wireless connection, a navigation system integrated into the multimedia interface, and a rearview camera. The 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 can be completely personalized through the Ad Personum program.

Performance & Handling

The 5.2-liter V-10 engine found in the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 is a mid-mounted engine that produces 552 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mounted lengthways behind the seats and in front of the rear axle. The placement of the engine improves the weight distribution across the sports car as well as keeping the center of gravity low.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles for manual override, called an e-gear transmission, is an option. All 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 models are fitted with all-wheel drive systems. The top speed of the spyder model is slightly less than that of the coupe due to the drop-top. Reducing the weight of the sports car, while improving aerodynamics. improved gas mileage slightly over previous versions, but this still a high performance super car.

Safety

Anti-lock brakes, traction control, an anti-skid system, and airbags are all standard safety equipment found in the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. The side airbags completely cover the head and body of both the driver and passenger.